The Philippines - Introduction
Whenever Manila is mentioned, the speaker actually refers - sometimes unknowingly - to a vast conglomeration of 16 cities and 1 municipality. Each is an autonomous political entity, but together functioning as one city called Metro Manila (The National Capital Region of The Philippines).
Metro Manila (Kalakhang Maynila in Filipino), also simply called Manila outside the metropolis, is the metropolitan area that contains the City of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The metropolis is officially called the National Capital Region (NCR) (Pambansang Kabiserang Rehiyon) and is composed of Manila plus 16 surrounding cities and municipalities, including Quezon City, the former capital. Metro Manila is the political, economic, social, and cultural center of the country, and it is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Metro Manila is often simply referred to as Manila, especially by non-residents, and is abbreviated as M.M. The region is also sometimes called the Greater Manila Area, but this term usually also includes adjacent towns not strictly a part of Metro Manila.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Filipino: Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Ninoy Aquino) (IATA: MNL) (ICAO: RPLL) Metro Manila is the primary gateway to the Philippines. This airport, caters to regular flights from China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, United States, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
From overseas, most visitors arrive by plane. Manila is served by three international airports. Philippine Airlines (PAL) has its own terminal, called Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (NAIA 2), that serves both international and domestic flights. PAL usually provides seamless transfers between their international and domestic network whereas you would generally not be given this service on other carriers.
All other international airlines use NAIA Terminal 1, which is due to be replaced by the newly built modern NAIA Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) in 2009; while other domestic airlines use the old domestic airport which is about a 5 to 10 minute ride from Terminal 1. Be wary of this if you have a connection between a domestic and international flight arriving/departing from these airports.
- By boat -
Ferries run all over the Philippines, but should you not reserve a first class cabin be prepared for uncomfortable cramped conditions.
Supercats and fastcrafts connect short distances between islands on high-speed air-conditioned hydrofoil crafts. Not only do they provide a faster option than ordinary ferries, they are also much better maintained and have a remarkable safety record. Among the major routes serviced by fastcrafts in and around Manila are: Manila-Bataan, Manila-Cavite and Batangas-Puerto Galera.
- By bus -
The Strong Republic Nautical Highway has made inter-island travel by bus possible. Major islands are connected by Roll On - Roll Off ferries which can carry cars, buses and cargo trucks. An example is the Manila to Boracay route which goes via Batangas, Calapan and Roxas in Mindoro then Caticlan. Philtranco serves various inter-island routes and has a terminal in Cubao, Quezon City. Needless to say however that these trips can take quite a bit of time and may not be worth the savings if you have only a few days to spend in the Philippines.
Normal provincial buses serving other parts of Luzon also have terminals in various portions of Metro Manila. The Cubao area in Quezon City and the Bonifacio Monument area in Kalookan City is where buses serving the northern portions of Luzon (e.g. Baguio, Zambales) have their terminals.
The Buendia Ave. cor Taft Ave. intersection in Makati and the area near the Taft Ave. and EDSA intersection in Pasay is where buses from the south (e.g. Batangas, Laguna) have their terminals.
The metropolis has an extensive system of highways connecting the various cities and municipalities. The major roads include ten radial roads, which branch out from central Manila and five circumferential roads which form concentric arcs around downtown Manila. Most of these roads are very important transportation arteries. One is the C-4 (Circumferential Road 4) also called Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or more popularly known as EDSA. Some other other important roads are R-1 (Radial Road 1) or Coastal Road/Manila-Cavite Road; R-3 or South Luzon Expressway (SLEX); R-7, which consists of Espana Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue; R-8 or the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX); and C-5 going from Bicutan to Libis (simply referred to as C-5).
- By jeepney -
Jeepneys are evolved versions of the Jeep which American Armed Force units used as utility vehicles during the war years. Usually built with a reconditioned surplus diesel engine from Japan coupled to a locally fabricated chassis, jeepneys come in a wide range of colors and decorations that are limited only by the owner's/driver's imagination and taste. Over time, it has become the most common means of public transport in the Philippines. Recently however, the introduction of more modern buses as well as the more efficient LRT and MRT have lessened the importance of the jeepney. They still do travel all over the city, particularly in routes which are too small to be serviced by buses - but know exactly where you are headed before getting on. Once inside, pay directly to the driver by telling him where you want to get off and how many people you are paying for. The fare structure begins with a minimum fare for the first four kilometers and increases every additional kilometer thereafter. As of Jan '06 minimum fare is P 7.50 (14 US cts) while the per kilometer additional fare is P 1.25. You can also request the driver to inform you that you are near to your destination. Note that loading and unloading zones for jeepneys are rarely followed so people hop on and get off practically at will. Caution - Jeeps are designed to carry small people - and can get very cramped for anyone over 6ft tall particularly if the jeepney is fully loaded! Jeepneys can usually sit anywhere from 12 to 14 people.
- By taxi -
Taxis are very affordable by western standards but pretty expensive for locals and almost all are now air-conditioned and use a meter to compute for the final fare. The taxi rates start at PHP 30 (USD 0.60) for the first 500 metres and an extra PHP 2.5 (USD 0.10) for every succeeding 300-metres or 2 minutes of stopping.
- By bus -
Buses are common in the major thoroughfares of Metro Manila and most will pass through EDSA. The common routes are as follows:
* Baclaran-Navotas (via EDSA and Ayala or via EDSA alone)
* Baclaran-SM Fairview (via EDSA and Ayala)
* Baclaran-Malanday (via EDSA and Ayala)
* Baclaran-Novaliches (via EDSA and north Luzon Expressway)
* Baclaran-Sta. Maria Bulacan (via EDSA and Ayala and North Luzon Expressway or MacArthur Highway)
* Grotto-NAIA (the airport in Paranaque and will pass through EDSA and SM Fairview)
* Malanday-NAIA (via EDSA)
* Alabang/Pacita-Navotas (via south Luzon Expressway and EDSA)
* Alabang-Malanday (via south Luzon Expressway and EDSA)
* Alabang-SM Fairview (via south Luzon Expressway and EDSA)
* Alabang/Pacita-Novaliches (via south Luzon Expressway, EDSA and north Luzon Expressway)
- By minivan -
FX (minivans) are a relatively new transport mode available now. They are more expensive than jeepneys, but cheaper than taxis. FX follow the jeepney practice of having a fixed route but like taxis are usually air-conditioned. You likely will have to share the ride as the FX can take up to 10 passengers at a time, but it's reasonably comfortable.
Travelling by rail is so far, the safest option. Here are some options to choose from:
* There the LRT which is run by the Light Rail Transit Authority or LRTA. The LRT has two lines. Line 1 (also known as the Yellow Line) runs along Taft Avenue from Baclaran in Paranaque to the Bonifacio Monument in Kalookan City. Line 2 (also known as the Purple Line) runs from Santolan in Pasig to Recto in the heart of downtown Manila.
* MRT The Metro Rail Transit (also known as Line 3 or the Blue Line) is a light rail transit system that runs along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or EDSA, one of the main thoroughfares in Metro Manila. The MRT runs from the North Avenue Station in Quezon City to the Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City. Fares are cheap (15 pesos for the entire length) and it is air conditioned albeit quite crowded during the morning and early evening rush hours. Entering the system requires a ticket which like other countries, must be inserted onto the turnstile. Alternatively, contactless plastic cards are increasingly becoming available to access the system although surcharges to both top-up the card and to pay for actual travel apply.
Single-journey and stored-value tickets are available for each of the lines. You can transfer between lines at the following areas:
*Between Line 1 and Line 2: Dorroteo Jose-Recto
* Between Line 1 and Line 3: Taft Avenue-EDSA
* Between Line 2 and Line 3: Araneta Centre/Cubao
However, unlike most other countries, you will need to exit the system and purchase a separate ticket to ride on the other lines except if you're in possession Strong Republic Transit Flash Pass.
Plazas, Parks and Nature Reserves
* Luneta Park
* Manila Zoological and Botannical Gardens
* Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Center
* La Mesa Dam EcoPark
* Quezon Memorial Circle
* Greenbelt Park
* Plaza de Roma
* Plaza de Goiti
* Plaza Miranda
* Manila Ocean Park
* Intramuros
Churches
* Manila Cathedral (Basilica Minore de la Immaculada Concepcion)
* San Agustin Church
* Baclaran Church (Redemptorist Church)
* Malate Church (Remedios Church)
* Binondo Church (Basilica Minore de San Lorenzo Ruiz)
* Quiapo Church (Basilica Minore de Jesus Nazareno)
* Sanctuario de San Antonio
* Epifanio de los Santos Shrine
Museums
* The National Museum of the Filipino People
* Metropolitan Museum of Manila
* Filipinas Heritage Library
* Ateneo Art Gallery
* Ayala Museum
* Lopez Museum
* The Museum at De La Salle University-Manila
* Museum of Contemporary Art and Design at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
* Yuchengco Museum
* Museo Pambata (Children's Museum)
* Museo ng Malacañang Palace
* University of Sto. Thomas Museum of Arts and Sciences
* Archdiocesan Museum of Manila
* Central Bank Money Museum
* Casa Manila
* San Agustin Church and Museum
Monuments
* Monumento de la Revolucion
* Rizal Monument
* People Power Monument
* Quezon Monument
* Bonifacio Monument
Major shopping destinantions
SM North EDSA
SM Mall of Asia
SM Megamall
Trinoma
Glorietta
Greenbelt
Greenhills
Market Market
Tiendesitas
Bonifacio High Street
Robinson's Place
Robinson Galleria
Tutuban
A tourist or visitor may be amused or perplexed to see Filipinos eating most of the time. Apart from the three major meals of the day, there are snacks in the morning and in the afternoon called "merienda" which are integral part of a typical Pinoy's everyday life. In the rural areas, every little town or barrio throws at least one feast a year in honor of its patron saint. And since a lot of Filipinos are family-oriented, food has become as significant as any family celebration which includes weddings, birthdays, baptisms, anniversaries and more. The proliferation of dining places or restaurants thus seems to mirror this aspect of the Filipino culture and the following are just some of the hip areas to visit for someone who wants to go on a food trip:
* Greenbelt Lifestyle Center - the widest selection of food choices, which also happen to be the trendiest and most unique, can be found in the Greenbelt Area at heart of Ayala Center in Makati City.
* Tomas Morato - Before midnight strikes, the strip is becoming increasily famous among locals for comedy bars. However, restaurants with gastronomic delights of every kind or dish abound from end-to-end.
* The Promenade at Greenhills
* Baywalk - Prior to 2006, this used to be the most famous location for an abundance of affordable, delightful street food, by the bay. However, this has been closed by the city government for certain issues. Nevertheless, a visit to this area provides a different perspective of the old city of Manila.
* Eastwood - Peppered with a lot of choices that offer comfortable dining in airconditioned or al fresco style, this place appeals to the upbeat, on-the-rise professionals and more affluent members of the Filipino society. There are lots of things to enjoy from good food, music, to midnight movies and shopping. Very appropriate for the night owls.
* The Fort Strip and Serendra located in Global City, Taguig - Trendy, classy, isolated yet warm, surprising and fulfilling. From Makati City, it is easy to reach the newest dining and entertainment hub in the Metropolis by private car or cab.
* Tiendesitas - literally "little stores", This place seems to have been primarily built with returning Filipinos in mind as well as foreigners interested in some kind of cultural immersion. It is a confluence of some 450 traders from the three major islands of the Philippines, namely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, selling specialty merchandise. So much to choose from but the food pavilions are the busiest.
The epicenter of Metro Manila's famous nightlife is the Greenbelt in Makati where some of the city's best restaurants, cafes, bars and karaoke joints cluster around a park in the middle of the main business district. The Fort, Serendra and Bonifacio High Street are three different clusters that offers high-end restaurants, bars and shops in the nearby city of Taguig. Bohemian Malate and the adjoining Baywalk contain a variety of venues serving a combination of food, comedy, alcohol and live music in Manila. Other nightlife clusters in the Metro are Eastwood, Araneta Center, and Timog all in Quezon City.
The introduction of American hip hop music has had a noticeable effect on Philippine night life, serving as the soundtrack to a high-spirited Manila youth culture. Many nightclubs now rival first-world standards both in terms of luxury and vibrancy.
Additionally, there are numerous venues in which to catch elements of an active Philippine alternative rock community.
Payphones are very common in the city center and to make a call, it will cost around US$0.02 per minute for a local call, slightly more for a national call and US$0.40 per minute for an international call. The use of mobile phones is also very extensive among the locals of in Manila. To use your mobile phone, it has to be at least a dualband GSM phone. Globe and Smart are the Philippine's largest mobile carriers and they invite you to use them as a roaming partner (inquire from your home carrier if they have Globe and Smart as a roaming partner).
To call anywhere within Metro Manila, simply dial the 7-digit telephone number from a payphone or a landline. If you need to call anywhere else within the Philippines, dial 0 + area code + telephone number. To make an international phone call, dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number.
Internet cafes have become a common sight in Metro Manila. Most malls would have at least one internet cafe. Most internet cafes provide broadband speeds. Netopia and Pacific Internet are common chains. Netopia also has a branch at the MRT Ayala Station. Rates usually run at less than US$1 per hour. Cheap overseas calls can be made at Netopia branches via their VOIP service.
Most coffee shops now also have WiFi services available so you can surf the net while sipping a cuppa. Airborneaccess.net and WIZ are the most common WiFi providers. Ask around if usage is free of charge, otherwise, as the case is often, you will have to buy an internet access card at the counter for around US$2 per hour.
Manila is a city where one should exercise caution. A popular scam as of recent days is for someone to approach you and pretend they recognize you. They will say they work at your hotel (i.e. room service, security, or whatever) and that they know you from there. They then say it is their day off and since they just happened to bump into you they want to show you something nice that is nearby; perhaps only a 2 or 3 minute ride away by taxi. They may be very convincing even to a seasoned traveler. It’s a scam. Do not ever get into a car or go anywhere with anyone you don’t know (the trick to making this scam work is that they try to convince you that they DO know you and have helped you at the hotel on a previous occasion). Of course, if you ask them which hotel they will not be able to answer. They are best fended off if you just ignore them, or if they persist, say something like "Are you going to leave me alone or should I call the police?" This makes them do an about face and leave pretty quickly.
Theft is common as well as pick pocketing. Manila, Philippines and other cities in Asia are of course more safe than say Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York and safer than any other big U.S city. But if you are a 6 ft+ Caucasian with blonde hair you are bound to stand out like a sore thumb. Travelers from other Asian nations especially South East Asians should have no problem blending in with the crowd however. One has to use common sense of course. Don't wear valuable jewelry or anything else to broadcast your wealth. Displaying that expensive mobile phone or digital camera out in the open is also a good way to attract the undue attention of petty thieves.
Around the capital are numerous attractions for people desiring a quick daytrip away from the hustle and bustle of this mega-metropolis.
* Metro Manila (around Manila) is an administrative region where Manila is located. Manila is just one of the cities in this region of over 600km2. Many historical landmarks can be found within this region such as Manila's University of Santo Tomas, Quezon City's Memorial Circle, Pasig's Ninoy Aquino Airport and many other landmarks.
* Tagaytay (1 hr south of Manila) is a city located on a ridge overlooking Taal Lake. The spectacular view of the Taal volcano in the middle of the lake, combined with the exquisite cuisine from the numerous ridge-side restaurants has made this a favorite weekend excursion for Manila residents.
* Taal (1 hr south of Manila, near Tagaytay) is a heritage town containing many Spanish period homes that were built from the spoils of coffee, sugar and other 19th century export crops. A number of these homes have been turned into heritage museums that allow one to imagine what life was like during those times.
* Antipolo City (30 km east of Metro Manila) Manilans make their annual summertime pilgrimage to the shrine of the Nuestra Senora dela Paz y Buenviaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) in this hilltop town. Once there, you can partake of the delicacies such as roasted cashew nuts and kalamay (glutinuous rice pudding). The Hinulugang Taktak Falls are nearby and prove a welcome respite to the city's hustle and bustle. On the way up to Antipolo via the Sumulong Highway are restaurants and bars which provide an excellent view of the Metro skyline.
* Subic Freeport Zone (2 1/2 hrs north of Metro Manila) This former American military base has been converted into an industrial park and ironically, an eco-tourism zone. Within the confines of the freeport one can partake of practically all of the activities that most tourists generally experience in the Philippines: sun-tanning on whitesand beaches, bayside dining, studying English, forest canopy walking, wreck diving, casino gaming, survival trekking with native Aeta guides, bar hopping, golfing, getting a massage (one spa even offers synchronized massage with two masseuses) and other spa treatments, outlet shopping, you name it.
* Baguio (5 hrs from Metro Manila by bus, 50 mins by plane) lies further north and up in the mountains of the Cordilleras. With its cool climate and pine trees, Baguio is said to be the summer capital of the Philippines.
* Beaches There are a number of beach resorts within a couple of hours drive from Manila for those in search of the sand and sea. The closest among the top resorts is Caylabnein Cavite, a little more than an hour away from the metropolis. The towns of Nasugbu, Tali, San Juan and Calatagan in Batangas are lined with beach resorts for people of different budgets. North of Manila are the beaches of Bataan and Zambales. Montemar Resort in Bataan is accessible by fastcraft and van from Manila Bay in one and a half hours. The beaches of Zambales cluster in and around the Subic Bay freeport.
* Scuba diving For those wanting to experience spectacular dive, the seaside resorts near Anilao in Batangas offer breathtaking dive spots. Anilao is where most Manila residents get their diver's license. Sabang (Philippines) is also another option for a short dive trip (popular for weekends) that does not require a plane but offers great diving.
* History A must-see for any history buff is Corregidor Island. Corregidor is one of the last Philippine strongholds the Americans ceded to the Japanese in World War II. The various facilities and barracks used are still there for all to see. The gun emplacements are still there, as are the skeletons of several of the buildings, all with evidence of battle damage. Tours are run from the docks in Manila (near the Philippine Cultural Center), and are approximately $40. The fee includes the boat out and back, the guided tour, and a lunch.
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Metro Manila (Kalakhang Maynila in Filipino), also simply called Manila outside the metropolis, is the metropolitan area that contains the City of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The metropolis is officially called the National Capital Region (NCR) (Pambansang Kabiserang Rehiyon) and is composed of Manila plus 16 surrounding cities and municipalities, including Quezon City, the former capital. Metro Manila is the political, economic, social, and cultural center of the country, and it is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Metro Manila is often simply referred to as Manila, especially by non-residents, and is abbreviated as M.M. The region is also sometimes called the Greater Manila Area, but this term usually also includes adjacent towns not strictly a part of Metro Manila.
Get In
- By air -Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Filipino: Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Ninoy Aquino) (IATA: MNL) (ICAO: RPLL) Metro Manila is the primary gateway to the Philippines. This airport, caters to regular flights from China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, United States, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
From overseas, most visitors arrive by plane. Manila is served by three international airports. Philippine Airlines (PAL) has its own terminal, called Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (NAIA 2), that serves both international and domestic flights. PAL usually provides seamless transfers between their international and domestic network whereas you would generally not be given this service on other carriers.
All other international airlines use NAIA Terminal 1, which is due to be replaced by the newly built modern NAIA Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) in 2009; while other domestic airlines use the old domestic airport which is about a 5 to 10 minute ride from Terminal 1. Be wary of this if you have a connection between a domestic and international flight arriving/departing from these airports.
- By boat -
Ferries run all over the Philippines, but should you not reserve a first class cabin be prepared for uncomfortable cramped conditions.
Supercats and fastcrafts connect short distances between islands on high-speed air-conditioned hydrofoil crafts. Not only do they provide a faster option than ordinary ferries, they are also much better maintained and have a remarkable safety record. Among the major routes serviced by fastcrafts in and around Manila are: Manila-Bataan, Manila-Cavite and Batangas-Puerto Galera.
- By bus -
The Strong Republic Nautical Highway has made inter-island travel by bus possible. Major islands are connected by Roll On - Roll Off ferries which can carry cars, buses and cargo trucks. An example is the Manila to Boracay route which goes via Batangas, Calapan and Roxas in Mindoro then Caticlan. Philtranco serves various inter-island routes and has a terminal in Cubao, Quezon City. Needless to say however that these trips can take quite a bit of time and may not be worth the savings if you have only a few days to spend in the Philippines.
Normal provincial buses serving other parts of Luzon also have terminals in various portions of Metro Manila. The Cubao area in Quezon City and the Bonifacio Monument area in Kalookan City is where buses serving the northern portions of Luzon (e.g. Baguio, Zambales) have their terminals.
The Buendia Ave. cor Taft Ave. intersection in Makati and the area near the Taft Ave. and EDSA intersection in Pasay is where buses from the south (e.g. Batangas, Laguna) have their terminals.
Get Around
- By car -The metropolis has an extensive system of highways connecting the various cities and municipalities. The major roads include ten radial roads, which branch out from central Manila and five circumferential roads which form concentric arcs around downtown Manila. Most of these roads are very important transportation arteries. One is the C-4 (Circumferential Road 4) also called Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or more popularly known as EDSA. Some other other important roads are R-1 (Radial Road 1) or Coastal Road/Manila-Cavite Road; R-3 or South Luzon Expressway (SLEX); R-7, which consists of Espana Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue; R-8 or the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX); and C-5 going from Bicutan to Libis (simply referred to as C-5).
- By jeepney -
Jeepneys are evolved versions of the Jeep which American Armed Force units used as utility vehicles during the war years. Usually built with a reconditioned surplus diesel engine from Japan coupled to a locally fabricated chassis, jeepneys come in a wide range of colors and decorations that are limited only by the owner's/driver's imagination and taste. Over time, it has become the most common means of public transport in the Philippines. Recently however, the introduction of more modern buses as well as the more efficient LRT and MRT have lessened the importance of the jeepney. They still do travel all over the city, particularly in routes which are too small to be serviced by buses - but know exactly where you are headed before getting on. Once inside, pay directly to the driver by telling him where you want to get off and how many people you are paying for. The fare structure begins with a minimum fare for the first four kilometers and increases every additional kilometer thereafter. As of Jan '06 minimum fare is P 7.50 (14 US cts) while the per kilometer additional fare is P 1.25. You can also request the driver to inform you that you are near to your destination. Note that loading and unloading zones for jeepneys are rarely followed so people hop on and get off practically at will. Caution - Jeeps are designed to carry small people - and can get very cramped for anyone over 6ft tall particularly if the jeepney is fully loaded! Jeepneys can usually sit anywhere from 12 to 14 people.
- By taxi -
Taxis are very affordable by western standards but pretty expensive for locals and almost all are now air-conditioned and use a meter to compute for the final fare. The taxi rates start at PHP 30 (USD 0.60) for the first 500 metres and an extra PHP 2.5 (USD 0.10) for every succeeding 300-metres or 2 minutes of stopping.
- By bus -
Buses are common in the major thoroughfares of Metro Manila and most will pass through EDSA. The common routes are as follows:
* Baclaran-Navotas (via EDSA and Ayala or via EDSA alone)
* Baclaran-SM Fairview (via EDSA and Ayala)
* Baclaran-Malanday (via EDSA and Ayala)
* Baclaran-Novaliches (via EDSA and north Luzon Expressway)
* Baclaran-Sta. Maria Bulacan (via EDSA and Ayala and North Luzon Expressway or MacArthur Highway)
* Grotto-NAIA (the airport in Paranaque and will pass through EDSA and SM Fairview)
* Malanday-NAIA (via EDSA)
* Alabang/Pacita-Navotas (via south Luzon Expressway and EDSA)
* Alabang-Malanday (via south Luzon Expressway and EDSA)
* Alabang-SM Fairview (via south Luzon Expressway and EDSA)
* Alabang/Pacita-Novaliches (via south Luzon Expressway, EDSA and north Luzon Expressway)
- By minivan -
FX (minivans) are a relatively new transport mode available now. They are more expensive than jeepneys, but cheaper than taxis. FX follow the jeepney practice of having a fixed route but like taxis are usually air-conditioned. You likely will have to share the ride as the FX can take up to 10 passengers at a time, but it's reasonably comfortable.
Travelling by rail is so far, the safest option. Here are some options to choose from:
* There the LRT which is run by the Light Rail Transit Authority or LRTA. The LRT has two lines. Line 1 (also known as the Yellow Line) runs along Taft Avenue from Baclaran in Paranaque to the Bonifacio Monument in Kalookan City. Line 2 (also known as the Purple Line) runs from Santolan in Pasig to Recto in the heart of downtown Manila.
* MRT The Metro Rail Transit (also known as Line 3 or the Blue Line) is a light rail transit system that runs along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or EDSA, one of the main thoroughfares in Metro Manila. The MRT runs from the North Avenue Station in Quezon City to the Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City. Fares are cheap (15 pesos for the entire length) and it is air conditioned albeit quite crowded during the morning and early evening rush hours. Entering the system requires a ticket which like other countries, must be inserted onto the turnstile. Alternatively, contactless plastic cards are increasingly becoming available to access the system although surcharges to both top-up the card and to pay for actual travel apply.
Single-journey and stored-value tickets are available for each of the lines. You can transfer between lines at the following areas:
*Between Line 1 and Line 2: Dorroteo Jose-Recto
* Between Line 1 and Line 3: Taft Avenue-EDSA
* Between Line 2 and Line 3: Araneta Centre/Cubao
However, unlike most other countries, you will need to exit the system and purchase a separate ticket to ride on the other lines except if you're in possession Strong Republic Transit Flash Pass.
See
Plazas, Parks and Nature Reserves
* Luneta Park
* Manila Zoological and Botannical Gardens
* Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Center
* La Mesa Dam EcoPark
* Quezon Memorial Circle
* Greenbelt Park
* Plaza de Roma
* Plaza de Goiti
* Plaza Miranda
* Manila Ocean Park
* Intramuros
Churches
* Manila Cathedral (Basilica Minore de la Immaculada Concepcion)
* San Agustin Church
* Baclaran Church (Redemptorist Church)
* Malate Church (Remedios Church)
* Binondo Church (Basilica Minore de San Lorenzo Ruiz)
* Quiapo Church (Basilica Minore de Jesus Nazareno)
* Sanctuario de San Antonio
* Epifanio de los Santos Shrine
Museums
* The National Museum of the Filipino People
* Metropolitan Museum of Manila
* Filipinas Heritage Library
* Ateneo Art Gallery
* Ayala Museum
* Lopez Museum
* The Museum at De La Salle University-Manila
* Museum of Contemporary Art and Design at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
* Yuchengco Museum
* Museo Pambata (Children's Museum)
* Museo ng Malacañang Palace
* University of Sto. Thomas Museum of Arts and Sciences
* Archdiocesan Museum of Manila
* Central Bank Money Museum
* Casa Manila
* San Agustin Church and Museum
Monuments
* Monumento de la Revolucion
* Rizal Monument
* People Power Monument
* Quezon Monument
* Bonifacio Monument
Major shopping destinantions
SM North EDSA
SM Mall of Asia
SM Megamall
Trinoma
Glorietta
Greenbelt
Greenhills
Market Market
Tiendesitas
Bonifacio High Street
Robinson's Place
Robinson Galleria
Tutuban
Eat
A tourist or visitor may be amused or perplexed to see Filipinos eating most of the time. Apart from the three major meals of the day, there are snacks in the morning and in the afternoon called "merienda" which are integral part of a typical Pinoy's everyday life. In the rural areas, every little town or barrio throws at least one feast a year in honor of its patron saint. And since a lot of Filipinos are family-oriented, food has become as significant as any family celebration which includes weddings, birthdays, baptisms, anniversaries and more. The proliferation of dining places or restaurants thus seems to mirror this aspect of the Filipino culture and the following are just some of the hip areas to visit for someone who wants to go on a food trip:
* Greenbelt Lifestyle Center - the widest selection of food choices, which also happen to be the trendiest and most unique, can be found in the Greenbelt Area at heart of Ayala Center in Makati City.
* Tomas Morato - Before midnight strikes, the strip is becoming increasily famous among locals for comedy bars. However, restaurants with gastronomic delights of every kind or dish abound from end-to-end.
* The Promenade at Greenhills
* Baywalk - Prior to 2006, this used to be the most famous location for an abundance of affordable, delightful street food, by the bay. However, this has been closed by the city government for certain issues. Nevertheless, a visit to this area provides a different perspective of the old city of Manila.
* Eastwood - Peppered with a lot of choices that offer comfortable dining in airconditioned or al fresco style, this place appeals to the upbeat, on-the-rise professionals and more affluent members of the Filipino society. There are lots of things to enjoy from good food, music, to midnight movies and shopping. Very appropriate for the night owls.
* The Fort Strip and Serendra located in Global City, Taguig - Trendy, classy, isolated yet warm, surprising and fulfilling. From Makati City, it is easy to reach the newest dining and entertainment hub in the Metropolis by private car or cab.
* Tiendesitas - literally "little stores", This place seems to have been primarily built with returning Filipinos in mind as well as foreigners interested in some kind of cultural immersion. It is a confluence of some 450 traders from the three major islands of the Philippines, namely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, selling specialty merchandise. So much to choose from but the food pavilions are the busiest.
Drink
The epicenter of Metro Manila's famous nightlife is the Greenbelt in Makati where some of the city's best restaurants, cafes, bars and karaoke joints cluster around a park in the middle of the main business district. The Fort, Serendra and Bonifacio High Street are three different clusters that offers high-end restaurants, bars and shops in the nearby city of Taguig. Bohemian Malate and the adjoining Baywalk contain a variety of venues serving a combination of food, comedy, alcohol and live music in Manila. Other nightlife clusters in the Metro are Eastwood, Araneta Center, and Timog all in Quezon City.
The introduction of American hip hop music has had a noticeable effect on Philippine night life, serving as the soundtrack to a high-spirited Manila youth culture. Many nightclubs now rival first-world standards both in terms of luxury and vibrancy.
Additionally, there are numerous venues in which to catch elements of an active Philippine alternative rock community.
Contact
Payphones are very common in the city center and to make a call, it will cost around US$0.02 per minute for a local call, slightly more for a national call and US$0.40 per minute for an international call. The use of mobile phones is also very extensive among the locals of in Manila. To use your mobile phone, it has to be at least a dualband GSM phone. Globe and Smart are the Philippine's largest mobile carriers and they invite you to use them as a roaming partner (inquire from your home carrier if they have Globe and Smart as a roaming partner).
To call anywhere within Metro Manila, simply dial the 7-digit telephone number from a payphone or a landline. If you need to call anywhere else within the Philippines, dial 0 + area code + telephone number. To make an international phone call, dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number.
Internet cafes have become a common sight in Metro Manila. Most malls would have at least one internet cafe. Most internet cafes provide broadband speeds. Netopia and Pacific Internet are common chains. Netopia also has a branch at the MRT Ayala Station. Rates usually run at less than US$1 per hour. Cheap overseas calls can be made at Netopia branches via their VOIP service.
Most coffee shops now also have WiFi services available so you can surf the net while sipping a cuppa. Airborneaccess.net and WIZ are the most common WiFi providers. Ask around if usage is free of charge, otherwise, as the case is often, you will have to buy an internet access card at the counter for around US$2 per hour.
Stay Safe
Manila is a city where one should exercise caution. A popular scam as of recent days is for someone to approach you and pretend they recognize you. They will say they work at your hotel (i.e. room service, security, or whatever) and that they know you from there. They then say it is their day off and since they just happened to bump into you they want to show you something nice that is nearby; perhaps only a 2 or 3 minute ride away by taxi. They may be very convincing even to a seasoned traveler. It’s a scam. Do not ever get into a car or go anywhere with anyone you don’t know (the trick to making this scam work is that they try to convince you that they DO know you and have helped you at the hotel on a previous occasion). Of course, if you ask them which hotel they will not be able to answer. They are best fended off if you just ignore them, or if they persist, say something like "Are you going to leave me alone or should I call the police?" This makes them do an about face and leave pretty quickly.
Theft is common as well as pick pocketing. Manila, Philippines and other cities in Asia are of course more safe than say Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York and safer than any other big U.S city. But if you are a 6 ft+ Caucasian with blonde hair you are bound to stand out like a sore thumb. Travelers from other Asian nations especially South East Asians should have no problem blending in with the crowd however. One has to use common sense of course. Don't wear valuable jewelry or anything else to broadcast your wealth. Displaying that expensive mobile phone or digital camera out in the open is also a good way to attract the undue attention of petty thieves.
Get Out
Around the capital are numerous attractions for people desiring a quick daytrip away from the hustle and bustle of this mega-metropolis.
* Metro Manila (around Manila) is an administrative region where Manila is located. Manila is just one of the cities in this region of over 600km2. Many historical landmarks can be found within this region such as Manila's University of Santo Tomas, Quezon City's Memorial Circle, Pasig's Ninoy Aquino Airport and many other landmarks.
* Tagaytay (1 hr south of Manila) is a city located on a ridge overlooking Taal Lake. The spectacular view of the Taal volcano in the middle of the lake, combined with the exquisite cuisine from the numerous ridge-side restaurants has made this a favorite weekend excursion for Manila residents.
* Taal (1 hr south of Manila, near Tagaytay) is a heritage town containing many Spanish period homes that were built from the spoils of coffee, sugar and other 19th century export crops. A number of these homes have been turned into heritage museums that allow one to imagine what life was like during those times.
* Antipolo City (30 km east of Metro Manila) Manilans make their annual summertime pilgrimage to the shrine of the Nuestra Senora dela Paz y Buenviaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) in this hilltop town. Once there, you can partake of the delicacies such as roasted cashew nuts and kalamay (glutinuous rice pudding). The Hinulugang Taktak Falls are nearby and prove a welcome respite to the city's hustle and bustle. On the way up to Antipolo via the Sumulong Highway are restaurants and bars which provide an excellent view of the Metro skyline.
* Subic Freeport Zone (2 1/2 hrs north of Metro Manila) This former American military base has been converted into an industrial park and ironically, an eco-tourism zone. Within the confines of the freeport one can partake of practically all of the activities that most tourists generally experience in the Philippines: sun-tanning on whitesand beaches, bayside dining, studying English, forest canopy walking, wreck diving, casino gaming, survival trekking with native Aeta guides, bar hopping, golfing, getting a massage (one spa even offers synchronized massage with two masseuses) and other spa treatments, outlet shopping, you name it.
* Baguio (5 hrs from Metro Manila by bus, 50 mins by plane) lies further north and up in the mountains of the Cordilleras. With its cool climate and pine trees, Baguio is said to be the summer capital of the Philippines.
* Beaches There are a number of beach resorts within a couple of hours drive from Manila for those in search of the sand and sea. The closest among the top resorts is Caylabnein Cavite, a little more than an hour away from the metropolis. The towns of Nasugbu, Tali, San Juan and Calatagan in Batangas are lined with beach resorts for people of different budgets. North of Manila are the beaches of Bataan and Zambales. Montemar Resort in Bataan is accessible by fastcraft and van from Manila Bay in one and a half hours. The beaches of Zambales cluster in and around the Subic Bay freeport.
* Scuba diving For those wanting to experience spectacular dive, the seaside resorts near Anilao in Batangas offer breathtaking dive spots. Anilao is where most Manila residents get their diver's license. Sabang (Philippines) is also another option for a short dive trip (popular for weekends) that does not require a plane but offers great diving.
* History A must-see for any history buff is Corregidor Island. Corregidor is one of the last Philippine strongholds the Americans ceded to the Japanese in World War II. The various facilities and barracks used are still there for all to see. The gun emplacements are still there, as are the skeletons of several of the buildings, all with evidence of battle damage. Tours are run from the docks in Manila (near the Philippine Cultural Center), and are approximately $40. The fee includes the boat out and back, the guided tour, and a lunch.
